All the Results From the States That Voted on Legalization

Today, nine states voted on the fate of medical and recreational cannabis initiatives. Find out what happened.

Wednesday 11/9/2016

by MERRY JANE Staff

by MERRY JANE Staff

With cannabis a hot topic in the polls today, we want to give you a refresher of what initiatives are on the ballots as well as the results of the ballots once they are in. Check back regularly for the results as they come in. Let's hope they all pass!

Arizona | Prop 205 | Recreational

The Arizona Marijuana Legalization Initiative, known as Proposition 205, is on the ballot in Arizona. The ballot measure would allow medical marijuana dispensaries already in place the first opportunity to sell recreational cannabis. Adults over the age of 21 will be allowed to grow six plants while a 15 percent tax is levied on the plant.

Result: DID NOT PASS, with a reported 52.1% against.

Arkansas | Issue 6 I Medical

If Issue 6, the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Ammendment, is passed, medical marijuana will become legal for 17 qualifying conditions and a Medicinal Marijuana Commission would be created, with tax revenue being allocated to technical institues, vocational schools, and the General Fund.

Result: PASSED, with a reported 53% in favor.

California | Prop 64 | Recreational

Back in 1996, California made history as the first state to legalize cannabis for medical use. Now some 20 years later, all eyes are on California, which will finally have the opportunity to legalize it recreationally for those who are 21 or older.

A provision would also allow for resentencing and destruction of records for prior marijuana convictions. If the ballot measure passes, California will be the most populous state in the nation to have legalized recreational marijuana opening the flood gates for the next round of the green rush.

Result: PASSED, with a reported 55% in favor.

Florida | Amendment 2 | Medical

Image via Miami Herald

Even though a similar constitutional amendment was defeated in 2014 with 58 percent of the vote, things are looking up for the Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative, Amendment 2.

The law would allow doctors to prescribe marijuana to those affected by cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, Crohn’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, ALS, multiple sclerosis, or “other debilitating medical conditions of the same kind or class as or comparable to those enumerated.”

Result: PASSED with a reported 71.1% in favor.

Maine | Question 1 | Recreational

The Maine Marijuana Legalization Measure, known as Question 1, will legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis. After the Maine secretary of state invalidated over half of the signatures and a subsequent lawsuit overturned the ruling, another review of the measure qualified it for the ballot.

Voters are concerned about the impact of legalization will have on the communities it affects. Portland’s mayor, Ethan Strimling, wants to ensure revenue generated from retail sales will be allocated to health and schools.

Result: PASSED, with a reported 51% in favor.

Massachusetts | Question 4 | Recreational

Massachusetts’s residents have the opportunity to possibly possess less than 10 ounces in their homes and up to one ounce in public should Question 4 pass.

Under the new law, those 21 years or older would also be able to grow up to six plants. The new Cannabis Control Commission would regulate the law and issue licenses to those wishing to sell marijuana while charging the sales tax and an additional 3.75 percent excise tax. If approved, weed could be free flowing in Massachusetts by Dec. 15.

Result: PASSED, with a reported 53% in favor.

Montana | Initiative 182 | Medical

Big Sky Country has a chance to add some sweet smelling clouds to its beautiful landscape if the Montana Medical Marijuana Initiative, I-182.

Result: PASSED, with a reported 56.9% in favor.

Nevada | Question 2 | Recreational

The tax from cannabis sales would be reallocated to K-12 education and regulated by the Department of Taxation. Question 2 is one of eight other measures that would legalize pot for either medical or recreational purposes.

Result: PASSED, with a reported 54% in favor.

North Dakota | Measure 5 | Medical

Image via Getty

The North Dakota Compassionate Care Act, or Initiated Statutory Measure 5, will set up a system of nonprofit “compassion centers” to make medical cannabis available to people with a long list of qualifying conditions.

The sparse landscape will allow patients to grow up to eight plants if they live more than 40 miles from a “compassion center.”

Already enforcing some of the harshest marijuana laws in the country, North Dakota will keep cannabis users on a tight leash. The Health Department would be allowed to “perform on-site interviews of a qualified patient or primary caregiver to determine eligibility for the program” by entering the premises with only 24 hours notice.

Result: PASSED, with a reported 64% in favor.

Published on November 9, 2016

MERRY JANE Staff

MERRY JANE is based in Los Angeles, California and is dedicated to elevating the discussion around cannabis culture.